Netanyahu apologises to Qatar for Doha strike targeting Hamas

ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an apology to Qatar over an Israeli strike on Doha, a source close to Netanyahu told Reuters. The apology came during a call from the White House, where Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump on Monday. The conversation with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani occurred as both leaders discussed a US-led peace proposal for Gaza.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan welcomed President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, calling it a “durable solution” essential for regional stability and economic growth. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Shehbaz praised Trump’s leadership and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s role in the mediation efforts. He reiterated his support for a two-state solution as vital for lasting peace.

At the White House, President Trump voiced strong optimism about the proposed Gaza deal, saying he was “very confident” that all parties involved would agree to the 21-point peace framework. Netanyahu is expected to formally respond to the proposal during his visit.

In the region, the United Arab Emirates is reportedly pressuring Netanyahu to accept the plan and refrain from any move to annex the West Bank. According to sources, this message was delivered directly by UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed during a recent meeting in New York.

However, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. UNICEF warned that at least 25 premature babies are at risk in Gaza City due to intensified Israeli shelling around Al Helo Hospital. Medics reported damage to the hospital, and evacuation efforts are now underway, though officials say no safe place exists for the newborns.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that 50 people were killed and 184 injured in the past 24 hours. Since October 7, 2023, the total death toll in Gaza has reached 66,055, with over 168,000 wounded.

Israel’s opposition leader Benny Gantz also threw his support behind Trump’s peace proposal, calling it a “tremendous opportunity” and urging Netanyahu not to miss it. Gantz stressed that any agreement must guarantee the return of all hostages and preserve Israel’s security autonomy.

As diplomatic momentum builds, the coming days will be critical in determining whether the international community can bring a long-awaited ceasefire and peace to the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

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